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Sports
Webster remembers Conservatory student Andrew Goldbranson
Lift For Life provides at-risk youth a safe athletic outlet Page 4
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Oct. 2- Oct. 15, 2019
Volume 75 Issue 3
Webster freezes tuition Webster announced a tuition freeze on Sept. 24 for both new and returning undergraduate students for the 2020-2021 academic year. The freeze will ensure no tuition increase for students who qualify. To qualify, undergraduate students must be enrolled in 13-18 credit hours for the semester. Graduate students who are enrolled at the Webster Groves, Gateway, Westport and Wing Haven campuses will also see no increase in tuition. All military and online students also qualify for the tuition freeze. Tuition increased by $800 from the for the last six yearsfor non-Conservatory students. Ninety-eight percent of all students at Webster receive financial aid to attend the university. Aid to students increased by $2.2 million over the past year. The tuition freeze was approved after a Board of Trustees meeting. Reporting by Christine Tannous
websterjournal.com
Board of Trustees appoints Stroble chancellor, Schuster president By Cole Sawyer News Editor
On Thursday, Sept. 19, Board of Trustees Chair Robert Reeg informed Webster faculty and staff via email that former Provost Julian Schuster would act as president and former President Elizabeth Stroble would act as chancellor to the university. According to Stroble, the Board of Trustees has contemplated these title adjustments for years. Stroble said the new positions of president and chancellor better represent the responsibilities of top university administrators at Webster, a school with a global presence. “The duties of Webster’s president and provost exceeded the scope of duties of their counterparts who manage single campus universities,” Stroble said. The change in administration came in the beginning of the academic year, according to Stroble, despite being announced in September. The annual schedule of the committees of the Board of Trustees dictated the actual timing of the changes, she said. Neither Stroble nor Schuster received a change in compensation with the new titles, according to Stroble.
ARCHIVED PHOTO / The Journal Chancellor Beth Stroble speaks during an event at Webster. The Board of Trustees named Stroble Chancellor to accommodate the university's global presence.
“We will continue to focus on enhancing Webster’s reputation as a student and learning centered university,” Stroble said. “Our goal is to further strengthen Webster University by improving efficiencies of our overall operations and by identifying and securing new sources of revenue.”
St. Louis climate strike draws hundreds
The Board of Trustees endorsed a “Strategic Plan,” titled “Global Impact for the Next Century,” in April of 2015. Themes for the plan include “global innovation through inclusive leadership,” “a global, student-centered experience,” “a network of academic operational excellence”
and “strategic and sustainable development.” The Strategic Plan describes operational excellence as a network of effortless communication supported by university infrastructure, policies, systems and actions. This will allow Webster to focus on learning.
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Geneva students strike for climate
By Monica Obradovic
By John Hund
Editor-In-Chief
Managing Editor
Students in the St. Louis area were not the only Webster students who participated in global “Fridays for Future” climate strikes. On Friday, 19 students from Webster University Geneva picketed the Swiss city’s downtown area with handmade signs. Media communications major Yasmin Khan said a large majority of protesters called for action against capitalist political systems. These systems are responsible for the lack of urgency in regard to the climate crisis, according to Khan. The students involved acted as part of the Webster Ecological Association’s (WEA). Their strike included the students standing in front of Swiss banks chanting, “Anti-capitalism, anti capitalism!” Chicago-native David Bramlette founded the WEA at the Geneva campus with Khan last year. Bramlette said he would rather bring people into the climate movement than push them away, including associates of big banks. “Sure, capitalism is complicit in the development of climate change, but so are you and me and everybody else,” Bramlette said.
From the top of the steps of St. Louis City Hall, the Rev. Rodrick Burton of the New Northside Missionary Baptist Church led the crowd in a protest at Climate Strike St. Louis. “Planet over people. People over profits,” their voices chanted. On Sept. 20, young and old protesters gathered on the steps of St. Louis City Hall for the 2019 Youth Climate Strike. Millions around the globe marched in solidarity. Local youth largely coordinated the St. Louis strike. Organizer Brianna Chandler opened the event with a speech. “You may have gotten some pushback from coworkers, bosses, friends and family members who don’t agree,” Chandler said. “However, know that you are in good company because millions of people around the world are striking with us right now.” Young people skipped school and work in cities like London, New York, Paris, Berlin and Toronto to participate in the strike. See St. Louis Page 2
Webster has acted without a chancellor since 2011, after the retirement of Chancellor Neil George. According to Stroble, she will be the first chancellor to act as the principal executive leader of Webster.
JOHN HUND / The Journal Washington University student Hannah Richter marches down Market Street in downtown St. Louis during the Sept. 20 Youth Climte Strike.
GABRIELLA VERNON / CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Liane Shakhsheer holds a sign that says "School Strike for Climate" in Swedish during the Sept. 27 Climate Strike in Geneva, Switzerland.
See Geneva Page 2
Kemper Art Museum hosts first midwest Ai Weiwei exhibition By Aly Camacho Lifestyle Editor
ALY CAMACHO / The Journal Ai Weiwei speaks to Director and Curator Sabine Eckmann before a press conference at Mildred Kemper Art Mueum on Friday, Sept. 27.
Contemporary artist and activist Ai Weiwei established his first exhibition in the Midwest in an academic setting last week. Mildred Kemper Art Museum, at Washington University, hosted a media day for his exhibition, “Bare Life.” Director and Chief Curator Sabine Eckmann had been in contact with Ai to plan this exhibition for approximately three years. “There’s no question that Ai Weiwei is one of the most important artists in today’s world,” said Eckmann. Eckmann said her fascination to collaborate with Ai on the exhibition were his skills in conceptual art, reviving and recreating the “ready-made” and politically-aware realism. “He is advancing both
conceptual art and realism, and these are strains within modern contemporary art that is usually seen as opposites,” Eckmann said. The exhibition displays two sections: “Rupture” and “Bare Life.” Ai’s work in the Bare Life section provides insight to human rights violations on a global scale. Specifically, he references the increasing issue of displaced refugees. Additionally, in relation to China, this section provides insight following the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. “Letters from Government officials in Response to Ai Weiwei Studio’s Inquiries regarding the Sichuan Earthquake” (2008) displays 123 framed letters. An earthquake struck Sichuan province on May 12, 2008. This resulted in approximately 70,000 deaths. Many, in-
cluding Ai, attribute that official corruption caused the collapse of many school buildings. The Chinese government never released the names of the students killed or public inquiry even though they said they would investigate the structural collapse of Sichuan Province schools. As a result, Ai gathered volunteers to travel through the province as a citizen’s investigation. They talked to survivors and families of the victims. A lambda print mounted on aluminum, “Illumination” (2009), documents the night the police detained Ai. In Aug. 2009, Ai traveled to Chengdu to testify for activist Tan Zuoren. The police barged into Ai’s hotel room where they beat him and arrested his colleagues. See Ai WeiWei Page 6
News
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Sodexo janitors rally for higher wages
MONICA OBRADOVIC / The Journal Sodexo Custodial Services employee Phillip Poke holds a “justice for janitors” sign at a rally calling for a $15 minimum starting wage.
By Monica Obradovic Editor-in-Chief
Sodexo janitors at Webster rallied for higher wages by the Sverdrup bus stop on Oct. 1. Sodexo custodial services employees began publicly fighting for higher wages in February as part of a national “Fight for $15.” Sodexo provides food and facility management services to mainly universities, hospitals and universities. The Journal’s efforts to obtain an immediate comment from Sodexo officials by press time were unsuccessful. Nick Desideri, a public relations representative for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), told The Journal in March that Webster’s janitors made a median wage of $10.56 per hour. Missouri’s minimum wage is currently $8.60 per hour, but will rise incrementally to $12 an hour by 2023. Starting wage for custodial service employees currently sits at $9 an hour, according to Desideri. Sodexo proposed to SEIU a new starting wage of $9.75 per hour. SEIU Union Representative Mike Murphy said the increase is not large enough. “With what these guys make, they can’t afford to live,” Murphy said.
St. Louis FROM PAGE 1
The global efforts have been led by a 16-year-old Swedish girl named Greta Thunberg who delivered a speech to the U.N. Climate Summit a few days after the protest. The speech condemned lawmakers for being complicit in ignoring the ecological collapse around the globe. The culprit of global warming, according to St. Louis youth organizer Claire Stolze, is capitalism. “When we talk about climate change, I don’t want you to tell me how your veganism is helping save the planet,” Stolze said. “I want you to tell me what you’re doing to dismantle systemic racism and historic capitalism. I want you to tell me what you’re doing to save the most vulnerable to climate change.” Stolze, a 17-year-old high school senior, plans to attend the University of Chicago to study public policy. In her speech before the march, Stolze discussed the issues her peers faced attending high school in McKinley Heights. Stolze said people living in lowincome areas suffer from corporate pollution and greed, including lead poisoning and mold inhalation. Stolze’s comments echoed a report from Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic (IEC) at Washington University detailing environmental racism in St. Louis. “These companies placing industrial sites and dumping pollutants into low-income communities are the same ones mass polluting the ocean and releasing unsustainably enormous amounts of carbon dioxide into the air,” Stolze said. Organizers said climate protests have increased in large part due to a study published in October 2018. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a study finding that the Earth’s average temperature rose over 1.5 degrees Celsius since official record taking began in the late 19th century. The study confirmed the fears of scientists who now believe that climate change is irreversible. The report made Washington University senior Grace Tedder want to
Janitor Phillip Poke said he has worked for Sodexo for 15 years. His wage started at $8.50 an hour. He currently makes $9.50 per hour. Poke said he has been to his payroll office multiple times. He tried to reason with Sodexo with no success. Poke said the going around in circles is the reason the janitors rallied. Murphy said SEIU tried reaching out to Webster University through a petition. The petition asked the university to urge Sodexo to offer a $15 wage. Employees who signed the petition wrote they work hard to keep Webster safe and clean every day. “Our work is valuable and helps keep students and faculty healthy, but we’re struggling to support our families on wages as low as $9 an hour,” the petition wrote. Desideri said the union did not receive a response from administration. Murphy said he hopes Sodexo employees will get a wage in the future that will let them live with less of a struggle. For more coverage on this story, visit websterjournal.com
Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com take action. “When I saw the report released in October last year, it was a huge wake up call for me,” Tedder said. “This was when I realized that climate change was such a huge issue.” The IPCC also reported that climate-related risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security and economic growth are projected to increase with global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius and increase further if or when the climate reaches two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Tedder acts as the hub coordinator for the Sunrise Movement, a national organization of youth activists combating climate change. She said the movement was a nontraditional lobbyist movement using protests, strikes and sit-ins to change policy instead of monetary power. Tedder said she became involved because she believes Sunrise takes action. Each city with a Sunrise presence has a hub where recruitment and organization takes place. “I’m trying to bring people into the movement and get them to learn some of the basic skills that enabled them to go on and be
Webster remembers Andrew Goldbranson
By Monica Obradovic Editor-in-Chief
Sophomore Meghan Storts said she can still feel the warmth of Andrew Goldbranson’s hugs almost three months after his death. Goldbranson, 19, died July 10. He spent a week in a medically induced coma due to injuries he sustained in a moped accident. Goldbranson majored in acting at the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster. “He was special to everybody,” Storts said. “He was warm in every sense, not even just warm to the touch but as a person.” Goldbranson’s accident occurred July 3 after he crashed a moped near Fish Creek, Wisconsin. He wore a helmet and was not impaired, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Storts said when her friend called with the news of Goldbranson’s death, she sat in her car on the side of the road in her hometown of Augusta, Mo., thinking it was a prank. Three hundred fifty miles away in Nashville, Tenn., former Webster student Molly Duke could not believe the news either.
He was warm in “ every sense, not
even just warm to the touch but as a person. Meghan Storts
”
Friend of Andrew Goldbranson
“I thought it was a joke for a long time,” Duke said. “I didn’t know what to do because I was very much convinced that it couldn’t be real.” Acting Professor Rayme Cornell taught Goldbranson for his first year at the Conservatory. When she learned of his death, Cornell said she called all of her students to ask if they felt all right. Conservatory students become very close due to the intimate work they do, according to Cornell. She described Goldbranson as an extremely kind and talented student. “It was a blow certainly to his class,” Cornell said. “It was very
of global warming in the coming decades. Poverty and disadvantage are expected to increase in some populations as global warming increases; limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared with two degrees Celsius, could reduce the number of people both exposed to climate-related risks and susceptible to poverty by up to several hundred million by 2050. Climate Strike St. Louis’s biggest problem, according to the youth organizers, was the lack of inclusion of these groups. “I just wanted to let everyone know that our march was not as inclusive, as diverse, as it should have been and that we are actively working to fix that,” Chandler said. Chandler said one of the goals for the next climate strike was working to get indigenous activists involved. She said she admits it has been a blind spot in past strikes. According to Tedder, another challenge was getting involved getting involved new people in the movement and giving them an active role in advocating for change. “[Recruitment] tends to bias towards a certain group of people,” Tedder said. “So generally, a lot of people who have time and may have felt comfortable in climate
“ Be loud. We want the
whole city to hear us! ” Brianna Chandler
Organizer of Climate Strike St. Louis
able to take on leadership roles,” Tedder said. “We can grow as a hub and work on different climate action things like the climate strike or putting pressure on elected officials.” Those Affected In the 2018 IPCC report, populations at a higher risk from global warming included disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, some indigenous peoples and local communities dependent on agricultural livelihoods. The report said developing nations in desert and coastal regions would be the hardest hit by the effects
Oct. 2 - Oct. 15, 2019
movements in the past. That’s not a very good strategy. It’s no strategy at all, but it’s not a good way to try to involve people who haven’t felt comfortable in these spaces to begin with.” Chandler’s final address before the march reminded the protesters of the challenges ahead for the climate movement. “The struggle to create a more inclusive movement is on-going and absolutely and completely necessary,” Chandler said. “Be loud. We want the whole city to hear us!”
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hard.” Duke, Storts and Goldbranson were part of a friend group that hung out every day. Sophomore Bryce Miller said practically a million things ran through his mind when he heard of Goldbranson’s hospitalization. Most of Miller’s classmates learned of Goldbranson’s death before he did. He looked down at his phone late at night to several missed calls and texts from his classmates. “Was he going to wake up? What’s he going to be like when he wakes up? Will he come back to school?” Miller said he asked himself. He planned on driving to Goldbranson’s hospital with friends Jade Collins and Chase Tilden. Tilden said his favorite memory of Goldbranson came after his death. When he cleaned out his car, he found several things Andrew left behind. “I pulled out a grouping of like, nine or 10 packages of Goldfish,” Tilden said. “His favorite snack was Goldfish and Pepsi. It looked like he constantly planted all these empty packs there, and I was so upset with him.” He would always leave things behind: T-shirts in his friends’ dorm rooms, albums or receipts. Collins said she always begged Goldbranson to take out a box of Cheeto’s he left in her dorm. Miller said he regretted not holding on to things as much as his peers did. Instead, he thought of happy memories he had with Goldbranson. When he learned of his death, Miller thought of a camping trip he and Goldbranson went on with members of their class. “It was the worst camping trip,” Miller said. “We drove way too far, and when we got to the spot, it was dark and rainy, but Andrew was just being so funny that night. He made everyone forget we were having a miserable time.” Tilden said last year, he and his friends took trips to downtown Kirkwood, drove around looking at mansions, hung out in Forest Park and always had long late-night talks. “It sounds very boring when we talk about it now,” Tilden said. No matter what they did, Goldbranson made things better, according to Collins. “Andrew always made it fun,” Collins said.
MADYSON DIXON / The Journal Andrew Goldbranson rests on the steps of the Arch after travelling there with friends. Friends said Goldbranson was known for his bursts of childlike energy.
Duke said Goldbranson will live on in her memories. Storts wrote a song for Goldbranson with her friend Lize Lewy for Goldbranson’s memorial in early September. Goldbranson will live on in her song, Storts said. Storts studies photography at Webster. She said she will always keep her photos of him, the post-its he wrote to her saying, “Love you,” and a Polaroid of them both sitting in the back of a car. Miller said Goldbranson’s worst fear was being forgotten. Cornell said she will never forget one of Goldbranson’s acting choices. During a play, instead of saying his line, “Hey, Robin,” he sang it to the tune of Red Robin’s theme song.
“Anytime I see that commercial for Red Robin, I will think of him, and I will think of him for the rest of my life,” Cornell said. “Every time I will drive by a Red Robin, or see the commercial, I will think of Andrew Goldbranson because he was brilliant.” A family friend of Goldbranson created a GoFundMe page to help the Goldbranson family with unexpected costs. Goldbranson’s mother Gloria Goldbranson and sister Megan Goldbranson will create a scholarship in Goldbranson’s name with money donated to the fund.
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Geneva FROM PAGE 1
GABRIELLA VERNON / Contributed Photo Youths at the Sept. 27 Geneva Climate Strike hold signs protesting inaction to climate change in French and English.
Bramlette did not attend the strike due to a test. He said he did not think striking was enough. “People in Switzerland can strike all they want,” Bramlette said. “They can have the perfect trash sorting and composting system, but if we don’t keep the U.S. from dumping trash into the ocean, it’s all for nothing.” Most plastic waste in oceans comes from Asia, according to a 2015 study done by Science, a journal from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The U.S. dumps 242 million pounds of plastic into the ocean annually, according to the same study. Khan said she worries about the future if nothing is done to combat the climate crisis. “My biggest fear is that we will only see concrete action against climate change once it begins to affect the richest and most privileged demographics in our society,” Khan said. “Until then, millions of vulnerable people will pay a devastating price for earth’s ecological devastation.” Swiss news sources reported that over 2,000 people attended the strike.
Geneva psychology student Gabrielle Vernon said she felt individuals in Geneva striked for similar reasons as Americans. “I looked at signs people brought to the strike and it was clear that they too feel that the government can do more to combat climate change,” Vernon said. Protesters hoisted signs with written platitudes such as, “Protect our future,” “Why aren’t you guys doing anything? We’re all gonna die,” and “If you were smarter, we’d all be in school.” The protest’s energy felt electric, Khan said. Teenagers ditched school. Mothers brought their babies in carriages, and elderly people chanted along with university students. Drummers led the protesters in chants. People danced to the beat under the hot sun according to Khan. “We were there because we were angry, passionate and scared to death, but seeing the solidarity and determination of our community made everyone joyous,” Khan said. Vernon said the climate strike felt powerful. French speakers countered an English cheer a few Webster stu-
dents created. “Et un et deux, et trois degrés, c’est un crime contre l’humanité,” protesters chanted, meaning, “One and two and three degrees, it’s a crime against humanity.” The chant referenced a report made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (ICC) created in Oct. 2018. The reports warned of threats the earth would face if the planet’s temperature rose. Many countries would face famine, drought or extreme weather. WEA mainly focuses on policy reform, Khan said. The organization is currently working with the Webster Humanitarian Association on the Geneva campus to raise money for a tree-planting project in Iraq. Khan said she someday hopes to see positive change. “I believe the only way to truly confront climate change is through political reform,” Khan said. “We are already in a period of global political unrest. Though I believe this reform is essential, I fear to some extent the consequences of more political clashes.”
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News
Oct. 2 - Oct. 15, 2019
Times Higher Education reviews professor’s book
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SGA plans resurfacing of sand volleyball courts
By Cheyenne Parker Contributing Writer
CENCIO BOC / Contributed Photo Lindsey Kingston speaks at the 2017 Human Rights Conference, Environmental Justice and Human Rights. Photo courtesy of Webster University.
By Sam Wobbe
Contributing Writer
Lindsey Kingston has been studying the topic of statelessness since graduate school. Her new book, “Fully Human: Personhood, Citizenship, and Rights”, recently released to a wide array of praise from political science, human rights and academic circles, such as the Times Higher Education. Kingston currently works as an associate professor of human rights on Webster’s home campus. Kingston said her focus is on citizenship, statelessness and migration. She began studying statelessness in 2005, during graduate school at Syracuse University, and it has been at the forefront of her studies since. In 1954, the United Nations defined a “stateless person” as “a person who is not considered as a national by any State under the operation of its law.” Kingston said she focused on statelessness because of the many millions of stateless people worldwide. Kingston’s book, “Fully Human,” covers how citizenship and one’s ac-
cess to human rights are closely related. “The more I researched human rights, the more I realized the importance of citizenship,” Kingston said. In the forward to her book, Kingston discusses the beginnings of her research on stateless people, or one who is not considered as a citizen by any state under law. Her graduate studies are a big reason that she was able to study so in-depth on this topic. “Fully Human,” published by Oxford University Press, was named book of the week by the Times Higher Ed. In the review, the Times Higher Ed calls the book “remarkable.” “Idealistic or not, ‘Fully Human’ gives us good reasons to consider the idea of functioning citizenship,” the review said. The review brought up Kingston’s advancing of the idea of functioning citizenship. “In her own words, the project is ‘an unabashedly idealistic call to break down the hierarchies of personhood that make widespread human
suffering and rights abuses possible,’” Times Higher Ed said. Kingston mentioned part of her research on refugees in Europe and how the difficulties of integrating into a new society can take such a toll. She claims becoming a member of a country is more than just a piece of paper denoting citizenship when it comes to, “history, traditions, language, all sorts of things.” Kingston said she is very appreciative of the press that the book is getting. She said she is already working on other projects. She is currently researching how citizenship is being used currently as a weapon by states to punish people and how it is being used to destroy the cultures of indigenous people. Kingston said the upcoming annual Human Rights Conference will be held on Oct. 9-10 in the Interdisciplinary Science Building, room 160. The topic of the conference will be forced displacement and undocumented immigrants. Kiley Nivens, a junior International Human Rights
major on the home campus, encouraged students to attend the upcoming conference. “There are many human rights abuses seen just within migration all over the world,” Nivens said. “We must be knowledgeable on these subjects in order to invoke change.” The Human Rights Conference will feature a variety of speakers. “A lot of people I talked about in the book will be speaking at the conference,” Kingston said. “I am very excited.” Speakers include local high school students, professors from all around the country in human rights, political science and anthropology, and various Webster University faculty who study the topics at hand. Students are encouraged to attend and learn more about human rights issues they may not be so aware of. The conference will build upon points in Kingston’s book, which is available to read now.
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After a year of preparations, the sand volleyball courts near the University Center will soon be resurfaced according to Student Government Association (SGA) members and Dean of Students John Buck. According to SGA President Sarah Hill, the plan to repurpose the court came after SGA members noticed a lack of student interest in the area. SGA began to devise a plan last fall. Members created a survey that asked students what they wanted in the space. With the help of Buck, SGA’s advisor, SGA began speaking with members of administration about the university co-funding the project with SGA. Hill said the project will take more research by SGA and administration to determine a specific cost. Buck said the project will cost at least $10,000. “We are still figuring out what we want,” Buck said. The volleyball net poles have been taken down but the sand remains. Buck estimates the construction will start again in the spring. Hill expressed SGA has made a goal to make the space to be more
inclusive. “We are holding off on the court for the fall and considering the space in a much more sustainable fashion that will be accessible and beneficial to all students,” Hill said. Buck said he hopes the space will be more interactive. “We want the space to be more of a social zone,” Buck said “SGA has made a strong commitment for umbrellas”. According to junior Ansley Juan, she is unlikely to use the space even after a repurposing of the space. “No one wants to hang out behind the UC away from everything,” Juan said. “Resurfacing the area isn’t going to make people use it so why are my tuition dollars going to waste?” Ansley is not alone questioning the cost of repurposing the space, according to sophomore Cameron Dunlap. Dunlap said he could not recall a time he has seen someone use the space. “Sometimes I forget it’s even there,” Dunlap said.
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SGA approves Webster University Conservatives By Jenna Jones Staff Writer
The Student Government Association (SGA) confirmed the Webster University Conservatives (WUCON) as an official club at the Oct. 1 general body meeting. SGA members voted unanimously. Mikey Thomas, who organized the club’s set up, was confident in approval. Thomas originally planned to be president of the club but has since left Webster due to personal financial reasons. Vincent Fedorko stepped in to become WUCON’s president and said the confirmation shocked him. “I’m still in disbelief. I thought if we were going to get approved, it would be by a slim margin,” Fedorko said. Blain McVey, SGA college of arts and sciences senator and president of the Webster University Democrats, voted yes to confirm WUCON as a funded organization. “I think it’s important to recognize everyone’s political views,” McVey said. In the meeting, McVey questioned Fedorko about the controversial speakers that WUCON suggested in previous comments. McVey said Fedorko should instead consider Republican lawmakers as guest speakers. Fedorko answered questions from SGA senators and discussed concerns regarding the club. Senators asked about inclusivity due to past comments about not supporting trans rights said by Thomas. SGA School of Communications Senator Ethan Halker said that Thomas’ comments concerned him. “My question is how are you going to make it so that you’re very clear that you are open and accept-
ing of other students when you already pushed a lot of transphobic and anti-trans comments,” Halker said. Fedorko said anti-trans comments made by Thomas do not represent the values of everyone in the club. When voting, President Sarah Hill and senators McVey and Josh Campbell expressed the necessity of having both sides of the aisle on campus. “It’s important to have civil discussions, and Vincent has shown us today that it is possible to have those discussions,” Hill said, “Even when you disagree.” Fedorko said he wants the main focus of the club to be reducing tensions between politically active students. “We want to build bridges instead of tearing each other apart,” Fedorko said. Campbell said he agreed with Hill, but questioned bringing controversial speakers to campus. “If you have a conservative club, it gives students the opportunity to think through why they have these mindsets.” Campbell said. “You might actually change someone’s mind.” Going forward, Fedorko said he plans to have a safe space for all students. However, he said he will shut down any anti-trans or alt-right comments. “We’re open to anyone,” Fedorko said, “Whatever your background may be, if you have conservative ideals, you’re welcome to join us.” WUCON members will host both social and political events by the end of October.
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NEWS BRIEFS
St. Louis Metro discontinues Webster bus route Monday, Sept. 30, was the last day for Bus Route 68, which stopped on Big Bend Boulevard outside of the Sverdrup Complex. Route 68 was one of six routes discontinued in the new Metro Reimagined plan. Metro St. Louis cited low ridership for the discontinuation. Instead, the redesigned route 56, which will run from STLCC at Meramec to the ShrewsburyLansdowne I-44 Transit Center, will provide service on Big Bend Boulevard between St. Louis Community College at Meramec and Berry Road. Route 56 has no direct stop for Webster University. The route stops at the Rock Hill Transit Center, a 24-minute
walk from Webster. The new service offers stops every hour instead of every 15 minutes like the #68 used to. Webster renewed the free Metrobus and Metrolink passes this summer. Students can visit the Business Office to receive a sticker for the back of their ID that allows them to ride the public transport systems for free. There is a $50 fee if a student loses his or her pass and needs it replaced. Metro Reimagined has route maps located on its website. The website also contains details of other discontinued or replaced routes. Reporting by Jenna Jones
Webster posts campus safety alert At approximately 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, Public Safety was notified of an individual posing as a Charter Communications contractor attempting to gain entry to residences at Glen Park Apartments. Once inside the unit, the individual removed a cable box and left. According to a campus safety alert, the individual did not work for Charter Communications. In the alert, Webster requested anyone with information concerning the incident to call Public
Safety at 314-246-7430. The alert said Housing & Residential Life will always notify students if a contractor needs access to their apartment. The alert reminded residents of the following safety practices: keep doors locked at all times, be aware of surroundings, report suspicious activity to Public Safety, do not open doors for unknown visitors. Public Safety is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to calls for service. Reporting by Cole Sawyer
Sports
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Oct. 2 - Oct. 15, 2019
Lift For Life provides athletic outlet for at-risk youth By Dane McGuire Sports Editor Lift For Life Gym (LFLG) says its mission is to, “offer atrisk St. Louis city children a safe, enriching environment in which to strengthen their bodies, enrich their minds, develop healthy social relationships, and learn to make positive life choices.” A study from WalletHub ranked St. Louis as the least safe city in the nation last year. The weightlifting gym at 1415 Cass Ave. is attempting to combat the city’s violence, crime and drug use one person at a time. Championship Success The gym, a nonprofit organization, is home to a national championship-winning weightlifting team. Five athletes took home a combined 15 medals following the 2019 USA Weightlifting Youth National Championships in Anaheim, Calif. in late June. Competitions follow the Olympic-style youth weightlifting program. Executive director Joe Miller said the organization has produced 52 youth national champions since 1999. Junior coach Jerome Smith took 10th place at the Junior World Championships in Fiji in early June. He also took fourth place at the 2018 Youth Olympics. Other team members said without the program, they would be dead or in jail, some-
thing Smith agreed with. “Lift For Life was my way out,” Smith said. “There was a lot going on around my neighborhood and they wrote me and kept me away from the streets. It’s just awesome to get away from St. Louis itself. I would have never thought that I would go to Fiji or Argentina or Colombia, but Lift For Life made that happen.” Lift For Life has not remained untouched by drugs, gangs or violence according to Cohen. Smith plans to stay in the gym, eventually medaling for the U.S. Olympic team under his coach Jimmy Duke. Smith is also a junior coach and hopes to give back to Lift For Life. “For me, Jimmy’s the best because, growing up, I didn’t have a father figure and as soon as Jimmy came around, he acted as [if] he was like my father,” Smith said. “He told me he wants me to do what he did for me for someone else.” Early Days Founded in 1988 by Marshall Cohen, LFLG once occupied the basement of a Globe Drugs, the Cohen family drugstore where Cohen once worked. He took up weight lifting after being bullied, in part, due to his size. Cohen was a self-described “98-pound weakling.” “When I got older, I noticed a lot of these kids that were growing up in the projects
gradually became hundreds a year.
LIFT FOR LIFE GYM/Contributed Photo Lift For Life Gym’s Jerome Smith strives for an Olympic debut in 2024.
didn’t have anything to do and there was a lot of gun violence like there is today,” Cohen said. “It was really difficult for them to get into organized activities. I just thought they could come down and work out, feel good
about themselves and healthy, and sure enough it worked.” The gym utilized “old school” equipment and free weights but quickly developed a following. Cohen said the gym started with just two lifters but the total
Softball team hosts event for Rett syndrome By Kaelin Triggs Staff Writer Webster University’s softball team competed on Sunday, Sept. 29, in an event to raise awareness for Rett syndrome. The Gorloks went head to head against two local universities, but all three came together to help battle the rare disorder that takes place off the field. Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects brain development that is mainly found in women. Those affected usually lose coordination and the ability to walk or use their hands. This year, Jay Murry, the event director, decided to use softball as a platform to bring attention to Rett. He got the idea after watching the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee. He saw how enthused the softball players were to play for the cause and how they could help fight the condition. Murry wanted to get the same kind of response in the St. Louis area. “Rett syndrome primarily affects females,” Murry said. “Softball is a sport where women play, so it just seemed right.” Rett Gets Rocked 2019: Unfinished Business put together exhibition games between Saint Louis University (SLU), Washington University in St. Louis and Webster University in an effort to spread the word about Rett syndrome. Murry decided to raise awareness for this disorder after he met a young girl with the condition. Ellie McCool is a student at Fort Zumwalt West High School who suffers from Rett
syndrome. Murry decided to raise awareness for the disorder after meeting McCool. “The more I got to know [McCool] and her caregiver, the more I got to learn about Rett syndrome,” Murry said. “The more I learned, the more I wanted to do something about it.” Murry first started raising awareness last year. He ran and walked around Washington University in St. Louis for 24 hours to raise over $4,700. He donated the money to rhettsyndrome.org and the Rett spectrum Clinic at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Head softball coach Katie Griffith said she felt glad to have someone like Murry willing to spread the word about an illness that many people do not know about. Griffith feels as though the team and herself have already learned much more about the illness just by being a part of this event. Griffith is entering her second season as Webster’s coach. In her first season, Griffith led the team to a 10-24 overall record. She said she was excited, not only to play, but to play for a cause such as Rett syndrome. “It touched our team personally because we met the kids [with Rett syndrome] and their families,” Griffith said. “We hope to spread the word so we can get this disease eradicated.” Griffith said just talking about Rett syndrome more can help spread the word on it. She hopes to inform others on how debilitating of a disease it is. Sophomore pitcher, Arianna Arias, said that putting information about the condition online
Beyond The Gym Over 30 years since its founding, Lift For Life’s mission has expanded to more than building muscle. Lift For Life is now an after school program offering resources from computer use and homework help to career preparation and several weeklong summer camps. Executive director Joe Miller said the gym serves 13,000 free meals annually. “With our program, we never charge a dime, not for any transportation, trips, fees, or membership dues,” Miller said. “Kids in the inner city lack resources and support. So to find it here in a safe place, in an afterschool setting, dedicated to lifting these kids up and keeping them on track, that’s pretty rare.” In 2000, Cohen created a separate nonprofit, Lift For Life Academy (LFLA). The school, the first independent charter school in St. Louis, started in the gym with a class of 65 middle school students. Cohen said the nonprofits shared space for a year and a half before the academy moved into its own space. LFLA now offers a full curriculum from elementary through high school levels. Former gorlok Kate Leenerts earned her master’s degree in reading from Webster in 2016.
She hopes to return to Webster in January as part of the Educational Specialist (EdS) program. Leenerts teaches seventh grade English language arts (ELA) at the academy. She works with students significantly below their grade level in reading. “We really talk about student athletes and preparing the student, but they’re getting so much also out of the athletic programs,” Leenerts said. “It will be really cool to see some of them go on to the next level.” As of 2019, the academy has a student body ranging from elementary to high school students. Cohen said LFLA’s graduation rate as of this year is roughly 92%. According to a June 2019 Facebook post, Lift For Life Gym has taken home over 80 medals over the last six years. “The goal is to sustain the success of just being the most consistent thing in these kids’ lives, and that’s not a joke,” Miller said of the gym. “As long as we’re consistently here for these kids, that’s what matters the most. I have no doubt that many people will help us continue this legacy of lifting kids up.”
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SPORTS BRIEFS Cross Country finishes fourth Sept. 27 Finishing with a team score of 113, Webster’s men’s cross country team finished in fourth place at the H.W. Wright Classic in Decatur, Ill. Posting a time of 28:30.5, freshman Cam Sakuma placed 10th, leading the pack for the Webster runners. With Sakuma’s
time leading the way, Webster made up ground in team points to secure their fourth place finish. Junior Nathan Freyling and freshman Kaelin Triggs both finished 24th and 25th respectively. With times in the 29th minute, they rounded out the Webster finishes.
The Gorloks race again at the Kollege Town Sports Invitational on October 19th in Winneconne, Wis.
Reporting by Michael Langston
Volleyball falls to Washington University Oct. 1
WEBSTER ATHLETICS/Contributed Photo Pitcher Arianna Arias took part in a pair of games against SLU and Washington University in St. Louis on Sept. 29.
and on social media should help spread awareness. “We can make posters and put them around school,” Arias said. “That is always a good way to reach out to people. Also just simply going up to people and talking about [Rett syndrome] can spread the word.” Murry prepared to have dine-in restaurant fundraisers to also help raise awareness and money to find a cure. The dineins are held on Oct. 3 at Noodles & Company on South Hanley, and Oct. 10 at Red Robin on Mexico Loop Road. Alongside the softball games and the dine-ins, Murry will also be completing a 24-hour solo run again. This event, in
which Murry will walk and run around Washington University in St. Louis for 24 hours, begins at 5 pm on Oct. 26 and will end at 5 pm on Oct 27. “I just want to do a little something to help those who can’t help themselves,” Murry said. “This is just kind of my pet project so to speak.” To make donations to Rett Gets Rocked 2019: Unfinished Business, text OVERPOWER to 41444.
The Gorloks lost to Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) 3-1 despite Lauren Borik’s fifth straight match with double-digit kills. The team’s record now sits at 7-8 for the season, and 0-3 at home. Webster lost three straight sets after winning the first. They won the first set by a score of 25-10, the widest margin of victory this season. In sets two through four the Gorloks were outscored by 29 points and outkilled 46-28. With this defeat,
Webster has now lost to WashU in 18 straight matches. The Gorloks have never beaten the Bears. They will not face each other again this season. With tonight’s 22 digs, Kristen Farrah moved into second place on the school’s all-time list with 1,691 career digs. She now sits 309 digs away from being the school’s alltime leader. If she can maintain her current 7.57 digs per set for the rest of the season, she will only need 41 sets to capture the top spot. With 13 matches
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
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remaining in the regular season and then the postseason, Farrah is on pace to break Webster’s career digs record in her junior season. Webster’s next contest is Thursday October 3 at Westminster College. Their next home game is October 11 against Spalding University.
Reporting by Robby Floyd
Oct. 3: Volleyball at Westminster College Oct. 5: Women’s and Men’s Soccer at Eureka College Oct. 7 through October 8: Golf at Temptest Golf Course Oct. 8: Volleyball at Blackburn College
Lifestyle
Oct. 2 - Oct. 15, 2019
Page 5
Webster community warns of hearing loss By Kieron Kessler Contributing Writer
On Aug. 31, Webster students gathered at the Garden Cafe to watch local musicians perform in BrewBops Music Fest. Consisting of over 8 bands, students came with one thing missing; ear protection. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders stated on their website “only eight percent of people wear ear protection to concerts.” According to audio professionals, like Dr. Gleghorn at Sound Access STL, the risk of hearing loss increases because concerts are significantly louder than the recommended amount of exposure. This repetitive exposure to harmful environments can lead to long lasting hearing issues. Professor Bill Elliot teaches Light, Sound, and Electricity in the biological science department at Webster. According to Elliot, the risk of hearing damage is high for the young adult age group. He explained that the cochlea in our ears are little hairs that bend back and forth when we hear loud noises. He described how they get damaged through an example using a credit card. “Have you ever had a case where you had to replace
your credit card?” Elliot said. “When you receive the new card you are instructed to destroy the old card. If you do what I sometimes do and fold the card in half. If you do that you also fold it towards the other side and when you fold it a number of times the center is weak enough. Think of this like the cochlea in your ear, so when you go to any setting this is how they are in motion. If you go back repeatedly, you keep bending that credit card.”
“
hearing, whereas I need it for my lifestyle and my job.” Long term hearing loss is far more damaging than perceived. “Without hearing, it becomes a social issue where you can’t engage with media and people the way you normally would,” Brodsky said. Filtered ear protection is what is recommended by Sound Access STL. Audio production majors like Brodsky also warn of the risks leading
Without hearing, it becomes a social issue where you can’t engage with media and people the way you normally would Drew Brodsky
”
Webster Audio Major
Other audio production majors are also conscious of the potential loss of hearing. Senior Drew Brodsky studies audio production at Webster. The reasons why people do not wear ear protection varies from accessibility issues to social norms. “I think some people don’t wear them as an aesthetic choice,” Brodsky said. “People also overlook their sense of
to potential loss of hearing. Brodsky said that the purpose of filtered protection is to attenuate frequencies. The silver circle in the middle is a filter that is made to even out the volume. Human hearing is between 20 hertz and 20 kilohertz, so anything above that is harmful to the ear. Filtered ear protection brings the overall frequency down so one is still capable
of enjoying the music just at a lower volume. Drug stores and places like Guitar Center sell ear protection in order help with hearing in loud environments. Local venues often sell ear plugs for as cheap as fifty cents. Certain local bands and venues even give away earplugs for free at their concerts. If hearing loss is prevalent, Sound Access STL offers hearing evaluations and filtered ear protection. Dr. Gleghorn of Sound Access STL makes personalized molded ear protection and in-ear monitors to help musicians and audio enthusiasts. Other audiologists can also help provide ways to care for and prevent hearing loss. Repetitive exposure to loud environments and concerts can have a lasting effect on the way someone can hear. Ear protection is able to help prevent a significant portion of those issues. Even if it is just one concert, as Dr. Gleghorn said “It only takes one exposure to damage your hearing.”
Graphic by Allison Lewis
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School of Communications adds ‘Star Wars’ class
By Cameren Agosta Contributing Writer
Passion meets education in Webster University’s newest class: “Star Wars: A Journey through Cinema, Media, and Culture.” The class covers concepts seen in film majors and animation majors, but that does not stop it from welcoming everyone — even newcomers to the Star Wars franchise. Professor Jim Tudor admitted to having a full roster which includes a student who have not seen any of the Star Wars movies. “I might be too enthusiastic about it,” Tudor said. “The class is something I’ve always wanted to do.” Junior Ethan Halker, a double-major in Film, Television and Video Production and animation, explained that in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” the walkers are stop motion, an animation
technique. The directors, though, created a new system. Everytime a photograph of a single frame was taken, a motor would move it forward automatically, making it look more authentic. Light sabers are another animation effect explained by Halker. They took a stick and did something known as rotoscoping, where they blow up a frame and paint over it. When it comes to the student unfamiliar with the Star Wars franchise, Tudor explained that the students seem to honor the fact that there is someone in the class who does not know as much as they do about the franchise. He has even warned them to stay spoiler free in terms of ALY CAMACHO / The Journal the upcoming movie, and he Members of the 501st Legion mingle in the Sverdrup Lobby. believes they have done a good were careful to avoid spoiling. The School of Communijob doing that. He said that “Everyone’s been pretty cations welcomed members of there were a lot of important mindful about not spoiling “The 501st Legion” on Tuesparts in the story that students anything,” Halker added. day, Aug. 27th. They stayed
from 4:30 p.m. up until 6:30 p.m., mingling with students and introducing them to the course. Because of this, students and professors earned a chance to delve deeper into the production history of the Star Wars franchise. The class meets every Monday from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Tudor holds a 20 to 30 minute discussion before moving into a lecture, and a movie. While recent movies have different effects, Tudor mentioned that they actually have the original, despecialized films. One was shown in the movie theater. One came out on the VHS, and one came out on Blu-ray. This allows students to see for themselves the difference in special effects over time. Furthermore, Tudor says that he tries to show more than Star Wars movies—such as films that influenced the se-
ries, or even films influenced by it. Often, though, they run out of time. “It might not be the most ideal thing, but I’m hoping that I can shift it so that we watch our films and then have time afterwards to discuss,” Tudor said. Halker, who has witnessed Tudor’s passion himself, agrees that time-management has been an issue in the class. “If there’s a really good discussion going on, he doesn’t want to end it.” Halker said. “It’s just a few things where you feel a little rushed, or you might have to go a little overtime.” It’s the only thing Halker would fix, though, and he reassures that it will improve overtime.
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Balloon Glow at Forest Park in photos By Long Nguyễn Contributing Writer
LONG NGUYỄN / Contributed Photo Emma Casteralli, from Team Jambo, tries to blow up the hot air balloon while it resists against the strong winds.
A crew fights the wind resistance for the Phillips 66 balloon.
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LONG NGUYỄN / Contributed Photo
Organizers canceled the Great Forest Park Balloon Race to high winds, but other festivities continued on at 6.p.m. According to a press release on Great Forest Park Balloon Race’s website, more than 1,000 hot air balloons have taken part in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race over the years. About 60 more balloons were supposed to fly, but crews fought with wind resistance until the announcement of cancellation. Brian Schettler said in a statement, “The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is internationally known as one of the most prestigious balloon races, made especially unique by having a launch site in a major metropolitan area.” The balloon race’s food trucks, live music, and fireworks gave the audience another way to experience the night. Balloon crews lingered to chat and take photographs with the audience.
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LONG NGUYỄN / Contributed Photo John and Aimee Baumgartner stood together watching bright fireworks in the night sky.
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Lifestyle
Page 6
Oct. 2 - Oct. 15, 2019
Conservatory students create their own theater company
MEGHAN STORTS / The Journal Conservatory Student Rebecca Hartman performs at the first Fifi’s Playhouse cabaret on Pasadena Avenue.
By John Hund Managing Editor
Fifi’s Playhouse wants to become a platform for artists of all kinds. However, their alma mater is one big challenge to become an independent company. On an otherwise dark and quiet street, one house on Pasadena Avenue has a low rumble and a purple glow from its windows. Webster students pack
Ai Weiwei FROM PAGE 1
For Ai’s piece, “Forever Bicycles” (2012), he assembled 720 stainless steel bicycles in the shape of an arch. His design allows viewers to walk under and around. The piece references Marcel Duchamp’s ready-made “Bicycle Wheel” (1913). Duchamp created the term “Ready-made,” which means mass-produced objects that lose their original context or functionality and instead become presented as art. “I think China is my readymade because I always have to build my personal interpretation with such large context,” Ai said. “Rupture” explores China’s relationship to its past, specifically radical erasures of the Cultural Revolution and China’s transformation into globalization. In addition, the section displays Ai’s interactions with traditional Chinese artifacts. Dismantled from Qing Dynasty temples, the piece,
tightly into a makeshift cabaret upstairs. Hostess Lize Lewy smirks at the crowd while they wait to meet Fifi, the cat and namesake of St. Louis’s newest theater company. This was the inaugural show of Fifi’s Playhouse, a theater company started to get more people involved in the art of theater. “We want collaboration,” Lewy said. “We want it to feel like it’s not just one person’s
art; it’s everybody’s art. Everyone had a part, whether they’re a scenic designer or an actor, director or an audience member, to feel like they’re a part of the creative process.” Lewy and her housemates Sarah Lockwood and Zach Grimm created the non-profit to give students a place to express themselves outside of the classroom. The company would get students such as music majors and set design-
“Through” (2007-2008), displays wooden beams and pillars that intersect each other and hang over the viewers.
built the piece, “Souvenir from Shanghai.” “And right after we finished [Souvenir from Shanghai,] we received a paper that says, ‘Whatever you did is illegal here, you have to stop and demolish it.’” Weiwei said in ‘Ai Weiwei: Never sorry’. China’s government arrested Ai a few months after demolishing his studio, and he said he stayed under constant surveillance. The government confiscated his passport, and he was not allowed to leave the country until 2015. A reporter at the media day asked if justice was possible. Ai responded, “I don’t really think so, but it’s worth trying. Because it’s hard, you have to try. Because it’s impossible, you have to keep trying.” Ai currently lives and works in Berlin. “Ai Weiwei: Bare Life” will exhibit from Sept. 28 through Jan. 5, 2020.
it’s hard, “ Because you have to
try. Because it’s impossible, you have to keep trying. Ai Weiwei
”
Contemporary Artist and Activist
Another piece, “Dropping A Han Dynasty Urn” (2015), originally a photograph, hangs on the wall as a lego triptych. Tiny Lego bricks combine one by one to create a unified version of dropping the urn. The Chinese government ordered Ai’s newly built studio Shanghai studio to be knocked down on Jan. 11, 2011. In response, Ai saved bricks and debris from his demolished studio and
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ers who would not normally interact to start collaborating on projects. “We are using our connections in the Conservatory so that we can eventually expand into the rest of the whole St. Louis community,” Lockwood said. Lewy said part of the reason for starting the company was to find a place to tackle heavy political issues and work on multicultural diversity. Lewy and Lockwood agreed that the Conservatory was censoring some heavy political subjects. Fifi’s and the Conservatory did not comment on what specific issues were being censored. “We are very politically and socially driven,” Lockwood said. “That sort of art or any art should not be censored.” Lewy also said that Fifi’s Playhouse was different from PING— the student theater club on campus. She said Fifi’s was entirely its own and for everyone completely unaffiliated with the university. “Our biggest challenge is the fact that we’re starting this completely on our own, and we don’t exactly have the support of everyone,” Lewy said. Originally, Fifi’s Playhouse had planned on doing a big full season, but now they are focused on building up from where they are now. “This year has turned into a fundraising year,” Lewy said.
“Our big inaugural season is next year but we have already had our first show.” Their first show for the season was a cabaret featuring the talents of conservatory students singing along with live music. All of Webster was invited, and tickets cost $3. Fifi’s Playhouse is not always going to be on a stage, Lewy said. She said she wanted the company to be site specific, meaning they will work wherever they can with or without a stage. “Our future productions are planned for parking garages and other intricate theater spaces,” Lewy said. “Creating those unique platforms to see theater and to bring live music into that I think is another goal.” Other experimental theater ideas were flashmobs in the East Academic Building and a production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” on the loop. Lockwood admits, however, that their projects are small right now and will wait for the organization to take off to start large projects. While Lewy and Lockwood were happy about the amount of people that showed up, they had also expressed concerns that the audience was not very academically diverse with most of the audience of the first show being from the Conservatory. “We want it to not be a Conservatory thing. It just so
happens that our friends and our connections as of right now are predominantly conservatory,” Lewy said. “I know for the three of us, our game plan is to graduate and take this somewhere. It’s really just about building connections with everyone.” Lockwood said that hopefully these little shows will eventually get the word out and more people will trickle in over time. Lewy said she feels excited for the work ahead. “We’ve done a first public thing. We’ve made ourselves known in some small capacity,” Lewy said. “Seeing who shows up and seeing what our members want to do is our next step.” Lewy said their next show for the season will be a drag show called Fifi’s Playhaus.
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ALY CAMACHO / The Journal The piece “Through” forces viewers to engage with the wooden beams and pillers by walking under or around it. Made from dismantled Qing Dynasty Temples, the piece lays next to the debris of Ai’s Shanghai Studio.
It’s a Oct. 4 May Gallery Opening Reception: Elizabeth M. Claffey: Mother’s Milk, Father’s Blood May Gallery provides snacks and wine tasting in the upper level of the Sverdrup building from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 5 Opening Exhibition at Webster Arcade Projects at Webster Gateway Campus: Small Works
The exhibition runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features 10” x 10” innovative fiber and textile works by Surface Design Association (SDA) members from around the world.
Oct. 9-10 Human Rights Conference
This free event is open to the public located in Browning Hall in the ISB Building. There will be various spearkers discussing the theme of “Global Migration: from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
BEACH-THEMED TRIVIA NIGHT! Hosted by Webster orensics and ebate eam Prizes • Raffles • Silent Auction Refreshments Table Decorating Contest Costume Contest
Oct. 14 - Pumpkin Carving in the University Commons Webster Campus Activities provides pumpkins first come first serve at the UC Patio 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cash Prizes 1st and 2nd Place
NOV 2 • DOORS OPEN 6PM TRIVIA STARTS 7PM SUNSET HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER $20 STUDENT PRICE $25 PER PERSON (8 PER TABLE)
For Tickets contact Gina Jensen at Jensen@webster.edu or (314) 223-6141
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10/2/19 4:30 AM
Oct. 2 - Oct. 15, 2019
Opinions
Graphic by Allison Lewis
Letters & Commentaries The Journal welcomes letters to the editor and guest commentaries. Letters to the editor must be fewer than 450 words. Guest commentaries must be between 450 and 750 words, and guest writers must have their photograph taken to run with their commentaries. The Journal will edit all submitted pieces for grammar, style and clarity. If there are any substantial revisions, the writer will be notified and allowed to edit his or her own writing.
Submit all letters to the editor and guest commentaries to websterjournal@gmail.com by 2 p.m. on Monday.
The Publications Board The Publications Board acts as the publisher of The Journal, a designated public forum for students, faculty, staff and administrators at Webster University. The Board, co-chaired by Larry Baden and Linda Woolf, meets every academic month. The meetings are open to the public. Please bring us your comments and concerns. The Journal will post information on the time and place of the meeting when a room is available.
Our Vision To consistently provide the Webster University and Webster Groves communities with the most current and contextual information using both print and multimedia, while serving as a learning platform for our staff and a forum for our readers. Produced by The Journal Editorial Board and Business office, Summer 2014
Page 7
Nicolas Cage ruins film ‘Vampire’s Kiss’ Josh Campbell Staff Writer
In the fall of 1987, Nicolas Cage ran into a women’s restroom, fired a revolver into his mouth, caught a pigeon, ate a cockroach and ran through the New York City streets screaming, “I’m a vampire,” at homeless people. Why? Because Nicolas Cage is crazy. But he was also starring in a movie called “Vampire’s Kiss,” which is also crazy. Now I will talk about “Vampire’s Kiss,” because I might be crazy too. First, the plot, I guess we can start there. The film follows Peter Loew, a well off publishing executive in New York. Loew’s life is pretty sweet except for being unable to maintain a romantic relationship. During a one night stand, he comes home to a bat in his apart-
ment. Maybe it bites him, maybe he just swats at it to no avail. Regardless, he leaves the apartment and all seems well. Then he meets a woman who turns out to be a vampire, or maybe she’s not. Either way she bites his neck. After this he starts going into fugue states. These are usually characterized by some wild and aggressive behavior towards women, mainly his secretary, Alva. Noting this weird activity, he logically concludes that he is turning into a vampire. Eventually this leads to the things I mentioned in the first paragraph. This is the plot, but viewing what happens is far more important than connecting point A to B. The bizarre world of “Vampire’s Kiss” results in a crisis of tonality. Is it a dark comedy? Is it satire? Is it a horror film? It’s kind of all those things, and sometimes it tries to be each one in a single scene. So we get Cage’s accented antics accentuated by mimes, fake guns and plastic fangs. The script has numerous interesting ideas about relationships, city life and mental health; but
it seems to be in a manic scramble to blurt them all out at once. Naturally, at the center of this is Cage himself. He’s simultaneously the strongest element and weakest link. Many people quip about his performance and chalk it up to bad acting. However, bad acting involves either overacting or an inability to act. Cage has neither of those issues. His commitment to this role is laudable. In a commentary with the director, he talks about the bizarre state he was in during the production, speaking lines to his cat in a hotel room and coming up with strange character motivations. He insisted on eating two live cockroaches just so it would be real. It’s a performance so erratic that the viewer barely has time to gain a foothold. There’s something galvanizing about it as well, though. You can’t look away, especially in the third act when the film focuses explicitly on mental health. He gives an insane performance in service of a character that is losing his mind. Chances are, if you hear about “Vampire’s Kiss,” it will be through a
meme or clip of Cage screaming his ABC’s in a terrible British accent. The film has gained a cult following since its 1989 release, but not in a flattering way. The podcasting circles that it resonates in are usually of the “oh hey, Mark” ilk. This is understandable. Tommy Wiseau screaming about Lisa shares some similarities with wide eyed Nicolas Cage yelling at his secretary. However, I would argue that equating “Vampire’s Kiss” to a so-bad-it’s-good category of film is a disservice. The elements that are being ridiculed are essential to this strange story of a man who cannot connect with others and ultimately spirals into his own psyche. In this respect, the film portrays an accurate, ugly and compelling depiction of mental illness. It’s crazy, but there’s a fine line between its genius and insanity.
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Voting is an inalienable right for every American. While we won’t be voting for president for over a year, there will be primaries and caucuses in Missouri on March 10, 2020, and Illinois on March 17, 2020. Missouri doesn’t accept same-day voter registration, so taking time to register before elections begin is essential. As a first time voter myself, it can be overwhelming, but it’s important to be informed and prepared to vote when the time comes.
Register to vote
Voter registration isn’t federally managed so each state has different requirements on what you need to bring with you when you register. Since this is a college campus, there are a lot of students from out of state who don’t always meet Missouri standards. This could create confusion on how to register to vote, but most states have electronic registration as an option. This eliminates the need to go to your hometown courthouse. Everything you need to register to vote is on your electronic device.
Know the issues
After you’ve registered to vote, it might seem like the time to look at the candidacy pool and figure out who to vote for. While that could easily be the second step, I believe it’s more important to know what issues define the election. Watch the debates, listen to the news, heck, even get on Twitter to check out what’s being discussed by the candidates. Once you know the issues you care the most about it’s easier to
Graphic by Allison Lewis find a candidate you support because now you know what political issues are important to you.
Get informed on candidates
Once you’ve decided what issues are most important to you, it’s time to look into which candidate best represents your interests. While there isn’t a perfect president, senator or mayor out there, it is still essential you aren’t getting biased information. Don’t just listen to any single political website you find. Check out multiple organizations that will give you the information you need. Make sure to take due diligence to get the proper information. Websites like rockthevote.org are extremely helpful when it comes to this step.
Check state regulations and rules
Again, voting isn’t federally managed, so the rules and regulations for each state are different. It is very important to check what you’re required to bring to vote. Most voting stations are open for at least 12 hours on election day, so students and those with busy schedules have more than enough time to vote. If you are a new voter, it is a federal law that you bring a valid photo ID, a bill, pay stub or another government document that shows your name, photo and current address. Many states also allow absentee ballots, so if you’re out of state this would be essential for you to look into unless you plan on going home to vote.
The Journal is the official student publication of Webster University. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of the newspaper, not necessarily that of the university or the Publications Board. The opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of The Journal. All text, photos, graphics and other content are copyrighted by The Journal and may not be reproduced without permission. Any photograph that has been substantially altered or staged for use as a graphic will be labeled as a photo illustration. The Journal reserves the right to reject advertising, stories, columns or letters to the editor that it deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual orientation. Single copies of The Journal are free; for additional copies, contact the business office, located in the Sverdrup building, room 247, on the Webster Groves campus.
Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com
Public schools should not admit unvaccinated children Samantha Murkin Contributing Writer
470 East Lockwood Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63119 Sverdrup 247 www.websterjournal.com
Get out and VOTE!
Now, the steps that make all the others worth it - voting. It is essential to vote so that every group is represented in the polls so you get elected officials that represent your interest. Young adults and students are the fewest in numbers when voter registration is concerned. According to the U.S Census Bureau, under 20% of 18-29-yearolds voted and roughly 30% of that population is not registered to vote. It is every U.S citizen’s right to vote. Don’t let that get taken away by a confusing process. Get out there, vote and represent your generation with pride.
The time has come again. The beginning of fall marks many things, one of which is the beginning of cold and flu season: the time of year when everyone gets their flu shot and preparing for the worst of health. As I have grown up, I found the time for cold and flu season seems to start earlier and earlier. At first, I thought this was just a result of the transition into college, but recently I have found there may be another cause. The uproar of anti-vaxxers has been circling media for some time now. As of late, the topic has resurfaced due to unvaccinated children being allowed to enroll in highly populated public schools in metropolitan areas. According to NPR, the state of Illinois has en-
Graphic by Allison Lewis rolled nearly 41,000 children who have not been vaccinated, shown proof of their vaccinations, or otherwise have an exemption to not receive vaccinations. A majority of people choose not to vaccinate due to religious preference. While a valid choice, exposing an unvaccinated child to a school full of vaccinated children puts both at risk. The danger is not just an outbreak of a vaccinated disease, but the possibility of said disease mutating into a stronger one that science doesn’t have the tools to fight against yet. There have already been six reported cases of measles in children in Chicago alone. The fear of an epidemic has prompt-
ed some states to enact laws prohibiting unvaccinated children from enrolling. Currently, there are only three states which prohibit parents from opting their children out of vaccines, even for religious or personal beliefs. In turn, the rates of homeschooling in the state of California have increased. The option to homeschool unvaccinated children appears to be a solution, but only increases exposure of disease for all parties involved. The American dream is grown partially from the idea that each individual has “indivisible rights.” The choice for a parent to not vaccinate their child due to religious or personal beliefs could
be argued to fall under their constitutional rights. The three states which have enacted laws prohibiting unvaccinated children from enrolling in public schools is an infringement on the American dream. Yet I ask, isn’t the American dream, as the Constitution states, the pursuit of life a part of that? The choice of not vaccinating children blurs the line between ethics and science, and risks the lives of not just the immuno-compromised.
Contact the writer: websterjournal@gmail.com
Opinions
Page 8
Oct. 2 - Oct. 15, 2019
The Journal editors favorite fall things Monica Obradovic Editor-in-Chief
All things pumpkin spice I’m that white girl. If there’s something even remotely pumpkin themed, I’m all for it. But, what mostly makes the fall for me, is pumpkin flavored food and drink. Schlafley makes a delicious pumpkin ale that’s only sold in fall.
John Hund Managing Editor
Fall aesthetic My favorite thing has got to be the beauty associated with the season. I always look forward to watching Tim Burton movies and waiting for the trees to turn colors.
Madyson Dixon Opinions Editor
Cole Sawyer News Editor
Carving pumpkins I cannot wait until it is time to carve jack-o-lanterns. Nothing pleases me more than scooping the moist innards out of a fresh pumpkin with my bare hands.
Scary movies I love nothing more than watching scary movies. You can do it with friends or you can watch one alone for a good scare. Old scary movies are always the best, though.
Aly Camacho Lifestyle editor
Halloween Halloween is my favorite part of fall. I’ve only been to haunted houses a few times, but my heart tenses up because the haunted house workers get close enough to where you feel their breath on your neck. Everyone is in costumes and if done well, they can really give you goosebumps.
Dane McGuire Sports Editor
Hockey season I enjoy being able to break out hot chocolate. Fall is also the start of my favorite time of year, hockey season. Go Blues!
Allison Lewis Graphics Editor
Bonfires Bonfires remind me of my childhood. I visited my relatives out of town during the fall and we would talk with each other around a bonfire. I enjoyed roasting hot dogs and making s’mores together. Because of this, the smell of a bonfire is nostalgic to me.
Vanessa Jones Photo Editor
Candy corn Fall is the only time of the year I can eat those little orange and white triangle pieces of heaven! A lot of people like to hate on candy corn, but I guess it’s just a candy for the elite. Catch me with a bag of it every day of the fall!
Dolfy by Kaden grossman
Webster University
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Fall Blood Drive Hosted by: Residential Housing Association
Thursday, October 10, 2019 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Drive will be held in Sunnen Lounge I University Center 175 Edgar Road I St. Louis, 1\/10 63119 For an appointment, please visit IVlercyBloodDonor.net Appointments vvill be given priority, vvalk-ins welcome. All donors will be required to bring a state-issued form of ID.
All presenting donors will receive a complimentary T-shirt!
Your life is our life's \Nork.